Kent police were asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who snatched a woman’s purse and knocked her to the ground.

The robbery took place about 12:20 p.m. Monday in a parking lot shared by a fast food restaurant and gas station at 10715 SE 240th St.

The victim was walking to her car when a man ran up behind her and grabbed her purse. Police said the woman refused to let go of her purse so the man “overpowered her” and she fell, hurting her foot and arm.

Several witnesses began chasing the man as he fled, but the robber threatened to shoot anyone who pursued him so they stopped. No gun was spotted.

Officers obtained surveillance footage of the incident.

The robber was described as Hispanic, about 18 to 20 years old with a medium build. He has dark hair, a goatee, has brown eyes and is 5 feet 10.

Anyone with information on the robber is asked to call the Kent Police Department’s tip line at 253-856-5808.